I've applied for PIP and ESA. I'm employed, but on SSP. Would leaving my job affect ESA?

Zopoll

Newbie here, popping in to say "hi"
Looking forward to getting to know you all in the group chats and to picking your brains with the million and one questions I have 

Tori_Scope

Hi @Zopoll Welcome to the community! It's great to have you with us. 

We look forward to getting to know you too. Please feel free to take a look around the community and join in with any discussions that catch your eye. Two good places to start are our list of recent discussions, and the list of categories of discussion we have here. 

Are there any questions you'd like to ask now, or would you like to have a little look around first to get used to the community and how it works? 

Please just give us a shout if you need anything at all. 

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community Feel free to join in or ask any questions 

chiarieds

Hi @Zopoll - welcome to the community, & thank you for introducing yourself. Well, I'm going to ask a question. Would you like to tell us a little bit about yourself?

Zopoll

 I'm newly diagnosed with ME/CFS and find myself having gone from a very active life to someone who can't be out of bed for more than 2 hours at a time. I also can't walk any distance, so when I leave the house I need to use a wheelchair which I don't have, so I'm currently stuck in the house ☹
I applied for PIP 2 weeks ago and ESA today. I am technically still employed but on SSP. I can no longer do my job and havent worked since April. Work have not been in contact with me and I don't know if I should leave? And if I do, if it will affect ESA? ?
Sorry that turned out to be longer than expected.

chiarieds

Thank you for replying @Zopoll - I'm sorry life has changed so dramatically for you, it must be so difficult. Have you referred yourself for a needs assessment? This may put in place aids you need in your home. Please see: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

As far as getting a wheelchair goes, your GP could get the ball rolling, or a physio if you're in contact with one. Please see: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/walking-aids-wheelchairs-and-mobility-scooters/

You can apply for ESA up to 3 months before your SSP ends, which I presume is what you've done, then ESA can start once your SSP has ended.

As far as work goes, it does sound like even if you asked to work in a different role, this would be very difficult for you. However, don't just leave, ask for an Occupational Health assessment to see what they say your options are, & find out what your employer's policies are when, as an employee, you would struggle to continue working.

Zopoll

Hi Chiarieds, this is so helpful, I did not know you could get a needs assessment, I thought I had to work out what aids I need and pay for them to be put in place. Equally I thought I had to buy a wheelchair. I just have no idea about these things. Ill get onto work for an OH assessment too. Thank you so much, your advice has been invaluable.

calcotti

You cannot receive ESA while entitled to SSP. As advised above you can apply up to three months before SSP ends but you need the SSP1 from your employer which confirms the date your SSP entitlement ends,

While getting SSP you can claim UC (declare your health condition supported by a Fit Note) but entitlement will depend on your household circumstances. You can use a benefits calculator too check
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Leaving your job will not affect entitlement to ESA.

Zopoll

Thank you Calcotti, I didn't know I'll need an SSP1, I'll request from payroll. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be entitled to UC.
Thanks again, looks like I have a lot to look into tomorrow ?

calcotti

Zopoll said:

Thank you Calcotti, I didn't know I'll need an SSP1, I'll request from payroll. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be entitled to UC.
Thanks again, looks like I have a lot to look into tomorrow ?

I should clarify.
Employer is only expected to issue SSP1 at about 23 weeks and it is needed if you are letting SSP run it’s full course.
iIf you are intending to give up work you will not need the SSP1 because you will have a P45 instead.

janer1967

Hi there 

In regards to leaving work as suggested ask to be referred to oh in the first instance and discuss your options 

There are usually few options medical dismissal which some companies pay compensation or ill health retirement if in pension scheme births 8s difficult to get approved 

Discuss with your hr dept or try get a copy of the policies 

Zopoll

Hello again, where do I stand if I know I can't work, at all, anywhere, because I am too ill. Should I still get OH involved or should I just leave? Thanks again.

poppy123456

I wouldn't advise anyone to just "leave" employment without first discussing your options with OH, as advised.